Safety belt buckle

ABSTRACT

A pushbutton-type safety belt buckle having a movable latch member for releasable retention of a tongue connector plate in operable engagement with a catch dog member, and cam means for relative translatory linear movement of the latch member to enable release of the tongue connector plate from the catch dog member on movement of the pushbutton by depression thereof.

United States Patent Romanzi, Jr. et al.

[ 1 Feb. 29, 1972 [54] SAFETY BELT BUCKLE 3,408,707 11/1968 Hemphill ..24/230.l K UX [72] Inventors: Louis Romanzi, Jr., Brighton Township, 23$: Mich; Robert C- Pfeimr Lexington Ky. [73] Assignee: lrvin Industries Inc., Lexington, Ky. FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [22] Filed: Dec. 4, 1968 580,385 7/1959 Canada ..24/230.1 L 721,138 11/1965 Canada ..297/389 [21] Appl. No.: 781,016

Primary Examiner-Bernard A. Gelak 52 US. Cl ..24/230 AK AnomeyRommel & Rommel [51] Int. Cl. ..A44b 11/26 [58] Field of Search ....24/230.1 K, 230.1 AK, 230 LP, ABST ACT 24/239 211 230 AK; 297/389 A pushbutton-type safety belt buckle having a movable latch member for releasable retention of a tongue connector plate [56] Reerences C'ted in operable engagement with a catch dog member, and cam UNITED STATES PATENTS means for relative translatory linear movement of the latch member to enable release of the tongue connector plate from 739,655 9/1903 Detwiler ..24/230.l L UX h cawh dog member on movement f he pushbuuon by 3,036,353 5/1962 Minutori... ..24/239 X depression th fi 3,130,466 4/1964 Carter 24/2301 K UX 3,359,607 12/1967 Ketz ..24/ 239 14 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures 6'3 fl* [l4 J0 E \f sa i eww f S I:\ F 48 E'- fiwP Patented Feb. 29, 1972 3,644,967

6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Lou is Ramanzi, Jr. Roberf C. Pfeiffer BY WMM ATTORNEY;

' INVENTORS Patented Feb. 29, 1972 3,644,967

6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR llwlllllarllllll'a BY W/M ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 29, 1972 3,644,967

6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS Louis Romanzi,Jr. Roberf C. Pfeiffer BY 41W ATTORNEY} Patented Feb. 29, 1972 3,644,967

6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS Louis Romanzi Jr.

ATTORNEY;

SAFETY BELT BUCKLE This invention relates to improvements in pushbutton type safety belt buckle structures.

We recognize that there have been previously provided safety belt buckles having a slide action latch member for retention of a tongue connector plate on a catch dog member, for example, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,127,655, dated Apr. 7, 1964. There have also been previously provided pushbutton buckles having a pivoted latch dog, such as shown in US. Pat. No. 3,203,064, dated Aug. 31, I965. However, heretofore no one has provided a pushbutton buckle having a sliding latch member for releasable retention of a tongue connector plate in operable engagement with a catch dog member, which is a primary object of our invention.

A further object of our invention is the provision of an improved safety belt buckle having minimal weight, size and cost of manufacture, increased durability, and simplicity of assemblage.

A further object is the provision of a safety seat belt buckle having lower pushbutton release effort, fewer number of critical tolerances on component parts, with improved reliability, and improved crush resistance.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the course of the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this disclosure, and in which drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a seat having a seatbelt comprising shoulder and lap elements.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one form of our improved safety belt buckle.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the safety belt buckle of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on the line 4-4 of FIG. 3, showing the buckle in an attached relationship with a tongue connector plate.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4, but showing the buckle in a relationship for release of the tongue connector plate.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 6- 6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the base casing of the buckle of FIG. 2, with a crush bar removed to better show the preferred details. In this view, the latch member is shown in full lines in a retracted position, as would occur on insertion of a tongue connector plate just prior to latching of the tongue connector plate within the buckle.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the interior of the cover casing of the safety belt buckle of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are somewhat diagrammatic views showing the cam action of the safety belt buckle of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of another form of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the form of invention as shown in FIG. 1 1.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on the line 1313 of FIG. 12, and showing the buckle and tongue connector plate in an interconnected relationship.

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13, but showing the buckle in position for release of the tongue connector plate therefrom.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 1515 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the interior details of the base casing of the form of invention shown in FIG. 11, parts thereof being broken away to show preferred details.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the interior of the cover casing of the form of invention as shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of another form of our invention.

FIG. I9 is a top plan view of form of invention as shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on the line 20-20 of FIG. 19 and showing the buckle and tongue connector plate in an interconnected relationship.

FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 20, but showing the tongue connector plate in position for removal from the buckle.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the interior of the base casing of the form of invention as shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the interior of the cover casing of the form of invention as shown in FIG. 18.

In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein are shown preferred and modified embodiments of the invention, the form of invention as shown in FIGS. 2l0 may include a buckle A having a frame including a base casing B and cover casing C, and latch means D, a tongue connector plate E, belt webbing F attachable to base casing B, and belt webbing G attachable to tongue connector plate E; the form of invention as shown in FIGS. 11-17, may include a buckle H having a frame including a base casing l and cover casing J, and latch means K, a tongue connector Plate L, belt webbing M attachable to base casing I, and belt webbing N attachable to tongue connector plate L; and the form of invention as shown in FIGS. 18-23 may include a buckle 0 having a frame including a base casing P and cover casing Q, and latch means R, a tongue connector plate S, belt webbing T attachable to base casing P, and belt webbing U attachable to tongue connector plate S.

Base casing B preferably includes a bottom wall 10 having relatively spaced apart upstanding parallel sidewalls 11 and 12, each sidewall 11 and 12 having, respectively, inturned upper flange portions 13 and 14. Sidewalls l1 and 12 are each provided with notched portions 15 at their outermost ends and have a plurality of apertures 16 which cooperate with cover casing C in attachment of the same to base casing B, as will be subsequently described.

The rear end of base casing B is provided with an elongated slot 17 providing a belt bar 18 which is adapted to permit belt webbing F to be attached to base casing B, as is well known in the art. A stop flange 19 is bent upwardly along one edge of slot 17, extending interiorly of base casing B, for a purpose which will be subsequently described.

The forward central portion of bottom wall 10 may be offset to provide a catching member 20. Catch dog member 20 preferably includes a somewhat inclined front wall portion 21 which enables tongue connector plate E to ride thereovcr in insertion of the same within buckle A and a substantially vertical rear wall portion 22 which provides an abutment for securing tongue connector plate E to buckle A.

Upper flange portions 13 and 14 are each preferably provided with a pair of spaced-apart lugs 23 and 24 along the forward uppermost surfaces thereof, for a purpose as will be subsequently described.

The frame of buckle A may also be deemed to include a front crush bar 30. Front crush bar 30 preferably includes a lower base portion 31 having a centrally disposed guide portion 32 and outwardly extending end flange portions 33 and 34. Crush bar 30 also includes a rear wall portion 36 which extends at an angle substantially normal to base portion 31. Rear wall portion 36 has a pair of end flange portions 37 and 38, a slot 40 being defined between flange portions 33 and 37 and a slot 41 being defined between flange portions 34 and 38.

In attachment of crush bar 30 to base casing B, the same is interfitted thereon with upper flange portions 13 and 14 of base casing B interfitting respectively within slots 40 and 41, end flanges 33 and 34 respectively abutting against the lowermost portion of flange portions 13 and 14, and flanges 37 and 38 interfitting between lugs 23 and 24 of respective flange portions 13 and 14. Thus, upward movement of crush bar 30 is prevented by abutment of end flanges 33 and 34 with the lowermost surfaces of flange portions 13 and 14, downward movement of front crush bar 30 is prevented by abutment of end flanges 37 and 38 with the uppermost surface of flange portions 13 and 14, and front crush bar 30 is locked against liberal movement by lugs 23 and 24.

Cover casing C preferably includes a top wall portion 44, sidewalls 4S and 46, a front wall portion 47 and a rear wall portion 48. Top wall portion 44 is preferably somewhat of a pagoda shape, to provide sufficient space for operative mounting of latch means D between cover casing C and base casing B.

Top wall portion 44 is provided with a preferably polygonal aperture 50 which may be defined by a downturned front portion 52, a downtumed rear portion 53, and downturned side portions 54 and 55. Downtumed front portion 52 preferably has, extending therefrom, a lower portion 56 having an end 57. Wall portions 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 may define a cage means providing a guide for a pushbutton 58, as will be subsequently described. An elongated slotlike aperture 60 is provided in front portion 52 and a pair of elongated slotlike apertures 61 and 62 are provided in rear wall 53, respectively adjacent side portions 54 and 55, for cooperation in support of pushbutton 58 as will be subsequently described. Rear portion 53 is also provided with a cutaway central portion 63, for a purpose as will be subsequently described.

The forward portion of top wall portion 44 is preferably provided with a pair of spaced-apart lugs 65 which cooperate with front portion 52 to define a slot 66 within which may be received rear wall portion 36 of front crush bar 30. The forwardmost portion of top wall portion 44 may be provided with angled guide lugs 68 which may form a guide means for guiding tongue plate connector E into interconnection with catch dog member 20. Lugs 68, which are interconnected by a crossbar 69, also form a means of reinforcing the forward portion of top wall portion 44.

The rearmost portion of top wall portion 44 may be provided with a plurality of angled lugs 70 which serve to reinforce the rearward portion of top wall portion 44. Top wall portion 44 is also provided with a pair of spaced-apart lugs 72 which cooperate with rear portions 53 to provide a slot 73 for receiving therewithin a rear crush bar 75.

Sidewalls 45 and 46 of cover casing C are preferably provided with a plurality of locking tabs or lugs 78 which are positioned thereon to be received within apertures 16 of sidewalls 1 1 and 12 of base casing B to provide for secure attachment of cover casing C to base casing B, together with sidewalls 45 and 46 of cover casing C which abut the outermost surface of sidewalls l1 and 12 of base casing B and front and rear walls 47 and 48 of cover casing C which are received in notched portions of sidewalls 11 and 12 of base casing B.

Pushbutton 58 is preferably of a platelike configuration having a preferably polygonal body portion 80 that may be slidably received within the cage means defined by front portion 52, rear portion 53, and side portions 54 and 55 of top wall portion 44, the same being exposed for facile depression through aperture 50 of top wall portion 44.

The uppermost surface of body portion 80 of pushbutton 58 preferably has rimmed sides 82 for facile engagement thereof by the finger or fingers of an operator in depression of the same and has a lower relatively smooth surface 83 against which may slidably abut a cam pad 84, as will be subsequently described. The forward end of body portion 80 may be provided with an outwardly extending lug 86 and the rearward end of body portion 80 may be provided with a pair of outwardly extending flange portions 87 and 88. Flange portions 86, 87 and 88 are respectively received within elongated slots 60, 61 and 62 of front and rear portions 52 and 53 of top wall portion 44, abutting the same adjacent the limit thereof in providing a stop which limits upward movement of pushbutton 58 within aperture 50 and further assures proper guiding of pushbutton 58 in substantially vertical reciprocable movement within the cage means defined by portions 52, 53, 54 and 55 of top wall portion 44.

Cam pad 84 preferably comprises a substantially elongated body portion 91 having a depending central portion 92 and a pair of depending spaced-apart side members 93 and 94.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, cam pad 84 is mounted with elongated body portion 91 thereof in slidable engagement with lowermost surface 83 of pushbutton 58, the same being retained thereagainst such as by a spring member 95, as will be subsequently described. Depending spaced-apart side members 93 and 94 of cam pad 84 are each provided with respective front and rear angled faces 97 and 98 which define cam faces that cooperate with latch member 100 in a manner as will be subsequently described.

Rear crush bar 75 preferably comprises an elongated bar 106 having outer notches 107 and 108. Rear crush bar 75 is received within slot 73 defined between lugs 72 and rear portion 53 of top wall portion 44, notches 107 and 108 respectively abutting against upper flange portions 13 and 14 of base casing B when cover casing C is mounted thereon.

Thus, front crush bar 30 and rear crush bar 75 are provided to either side of the cage means within which pushbutton 58 is operably positioned, and provide reinforcement for cover casing C in preventing crushing of the same such as might destroy latch means D, and in preventing accidental depression of pushbutton 58 by a crushing force which may be exerted thereupon in the event of an accident which may occur while a person is wearing a seatbelt having this buckle construction. This is particularly important when cover casing C may be formed of plastic and provides a buckle which meets the government requirements for resistance to crushing set for safety buckles of automobile seatbelts.

Spring member 95 preferably comprises a substantially U- shaped body portion 110 having a rear portion 112 and a front portion 113, defining a slot 114 therebetween, rear portion 112 being provided with inturned outer flange portions and 116, and front portion 113 having a pair of spring arms 117 and 118 angled therefrom.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, spring member 95 is preferably mounted on rear crush bar 75, rear crush bar 75 interfitting within slot 114 thereof, with flange portions 115 and 116 pressing against rear crush bar 75 to maintain spring member 96 thereon. Spring member 95 is mounted in such a position so that spring arms 117 and 118 thereof extend through cutaway central portion 63 of rear portion 53 of the cage means, with the outermost ends thereof in abutment with the lowermost surface of cam pad 84, to each side of central portion 92, providing a leaf spring urging a cam pad 84 into abutment with pushbutton 58 and urging pushbutton 58 to a normally undepressed position.

Latch member 100 preferably includes a body portion 123 having a centrally disposed arm member 124, a pair of spacedapart cam surfaces 126 and 127 to either side of arm 124, and a pair of spaced-apart outer arms 128 and 129. Body portion 123 may be provided with a preferably centrally disposed aperture for receiving a spring member 131, which may comprise a coil spring 132. Arm member 124 preferably has an outer cam face 134 which cooperates with tongue connector plate E in directing the same to attachment with catch dog member 20, as will be subsequently described.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, latch member 100 is preferably mounted in base casing B with outer arms 128 and 129 thereof respectively adjacent sidewalls 11 and 12 for reciprocable slidable movement in the trackway defined by bottom wall 10, side walls 11 and 12 and central guide portion 32 of lower base portion 31 of front crush bar 30, the latter being preferably positioned for abutment against the uppermost surface of arm 124 of latch member 100 for limiting upward movement thereof. Latch member 100 is slidably positioned within the trackway thus defined with one end of coil spring 132 received within aperture 130 and the other end thereof in abutment with stop flange 19 of base casing B, coil spring 132 urging latch member 100 toward catch dog member 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, spring urging of latch member 100 toward catch dog member 20 places the outermost end of arm 124 adjacent catch dog member 20, providing retainer arm means defining a lock space 135 for receiving tongue connector plate E in locked engagement with catch dog member 20. When in this latched position, arm 124 is reinforced by abutment with central portion 32 of front crush bar 30 in preventing any upward movement thereof.

As thus described, spring member 95 and spring member 131 comprise spring means mounted on the frame for exertion of a force on latch member 100 to urge the same toward catch dog member in retention of tongue connector plate E in operable engagement with catch dog member 20 and for exertion of a force on pushbutton 58 to urge the same to a normally undepressed position.

Latch means D is preferably comprises of the spring means as thus defined by spring members and 131; latch member cam pad 84; and pushbutton 58.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, latch member 100 is normally positioned with cam surfaces 126 and 127 thereof in slidable engagement with cam faces 98 of respective depending side members 93 and 94 of cam pad 84. This sliding camlike engagement provides cam means whereby upon depression of pushbutton 58, cam pad 84 moves downwardly, depressing cam faces 98 thereof along cam surfaces 126 and 127 of latch member 100, which urges latch member 100 rearwardly, away from catch dog member 20, providing relative translatory linear sliding movement of latch member 100 away from catch dog member 20 which permits release of tongue connector plate E from catch dog member 20.

In order to provide for maximum linear movement of latch member 100 away from catch dog member 20 by a minimal depression of pushbutton 58, cam pad 84 is preferably mounted with cam faces 97 thereof in abutment with end 57 of lower portion 56 of the cage means provided on cover casing C. Thus, when pushbutton 58 is depressed, abutment of cam faces 97 with end 57 causes cam pad 84 to slide rearwardly along lowermost surface 83 of pushbutton 58, as shown in FIG. 5, providing an added camlike force which cooperates with the camlike force provided by abutment of cam faces 98 of cam pad 84 with cam surfaces 126 and 127 of latch member 100 in causing latch member 100 to move away from catch dog member 20 a greater distance than the distance which pushbutton 58 is depressed.

It is apparent that the sliding action of cam pad 84 with respect to pushbutton 58 is not an absolute necessity, and it is within the scope of our invention to provide a pushbutton having a cam pad as an integral part thereof in unitary construction.

It is likewise obvious that our invention is not limited to a pushbutton element slidably mounted on cover casing C, but that the same could, for instance, be pivotally or otherwise movably mounted on the frame of the buckle in any suitable manner for providing movement of a camlike member in a direction substantially normal to the linear movement of the latch member.

As a matter of fact, cam means as set forth herein for relative translatory movement of the latch member on depression of the pushbutton is deemed to include not only the particular structure herein shown and described, but also includes linkages and other means for mechanical movement which might provide such relative translatory movement.

It will be observed that spring member 131, in exerting a force upon latch member 100 which urges the same toward catch dog member 20, also acts through engagement of cam surfaces 126 and 127 of latch member 100 with cam faces 98 of cam pad 84 to urge pushbutton 58 to a normally undepressed position. The force thus exerted by spring member 121 may thus be all that is required in certain instances to retain pushbutton 58 in a normally undepressed position. However, if spring member 95 is omitted, it will be observed that when tongue connector E is inserted within the buckle, the same pushes latch member 100 away from catch dog member 20, by abutment with cam face 134 of arm 124, which will move cam surfaces 126 and 127 of latch member 100 away from cam faces 98 of cam pad 84, which would permit pushbutton 58 and cam pad 84 to drop momentarily to a depressed position, which may be undesirable in certain instances. Spring member 95 has thus been provided to retain pushbutton 58 and cam pad 84 in a normally undepressed position when this movement of latch member 100 occurs.

Tongue connector plate E preferably comprises a platelike body portion having an aperture 141 adjacent one end thereof to receive the secured end of webbing G in a conventional manner. The other end of tongue connector plate E 5 preferably comprises a reduced tongue portion 142 having an aperture 143 which is of a dimension to receive catch dog member 20 in operable engagement therewith.

The outermost end of reduced tongue portion 142 is preferably provided with outer wing portions 144 and 145 having a cutaway portion 146 therebetween.

In insertion of tongue connector plate E to within the buckle, see FIG. 7, cutaway portion 146 thereof first abuts against cam face 134 of latch member 100, urging the same away from catch dog member 20, cam face 134 thereof guiding tongue 142 into operable engagement with catch dog member 20, as shown in FIG. 4. In removal of tongue connector plate E from the buckle, pushbutton 58 is depressed, as shown in FIG. 5, which moves latch member 100 away from catch dog member 20, permitting facile removal of tongue connector plate E. It is preferable to angle tongue connector plate E in removal of the same from catch dog member 20, and wing portions 144 and 145 thereof provide an extended portion which may abut with lower wall 10 of base casing B in providing a pivot axis about which to tilt tongue connector plate E.

In the form of invention as shown in FIGS. 11-17, base casing I preferably includes a bottom wall 150 having relatively spaced-apart upstanding parallel sidewalls 151 and 152, each sidewall 151 and 152 having, respectively, intumed upper flange portions 153 and 154. Sidewalls 151 and 152 are each provided with an aperture 156 which cooperates with cover casing J in attachment of the same to base casing I, as will be subsequently described.

The rear end of base casing I is provided with an elongated slot 157 providing a belt bar 158 which is adapted to permit belt webbing M to be attached to base casing I, as is well known in the art.

The forward central portion of bottom wall 150 may be offset to provide a catch dog member 170. Catch dog member preferably includes a somewhat inclined front wall portion 171 which enables tongue connector plate L to ride thereover in insertion of the same within buckle H and a substantially vertical rear wall portion 172 which provides an abutment for securing tongue connector plate L to buckle H.

The frame of buckle I-I may also be deemed to include a front crush bar 180. Front crush bar preferably comprises an elongated barlike member 181 which is received within cover casing J and supported on the intumed upper flange portions 153 and 154 of base casing I.

Cover casing .1 preferably includes a top wall portion 184, sidewalls 185 and 186, a front wall portion 187 and a rear wall portion 188. Top wall portion 187 is preferably somewhat of a pagoda shape, to provide sufficient space for operative mounting of latch means K between cover casing J and base casing I.

Top wall portion 184 is provided with a preferably polygonal aperture 190 which may be defined by a downturned front portion 192, a downturned rear portion 193, and downturned side portions 194 and 195. Downturned front portion 192 preferably has, extending therefrom, a lower portion 196 having an end 197. Wall portions 192, 193, 194, and 196 may define a cage means providing a guide for a pushbutton 198, as will be subsequently described. An alonged slotlike aperture 200 is provided in front portion 192 and the ends of rear portion 193 terminate in a spaced apart relation from each side portion 194 and 195 to define a pair of elongated slotlike apertures 201 and 202.

The forward portion of top wall portion 184 is preferably provided with an elongated slot 205 within which may be received front crush bar 180. The forwardmost portion of top wall portion 184 may be provided with angled guide lugs 208 and a central lug 209 which form a means of reinforcing the forward portion of top wall portion 184. Guide lugs 208 may also form a guide means for guiding tongue connector plate L into interconnection with catch dog member 170.

The rearward part of top wall portion 184 may be provided with a pair of spaced-apart lugs 212 which cooperate with rear portion 193 to provide a slot 213 for receiving therewithin a rear crush bar 215.

Sidewalls 185 and 186 of cover casing J are preferably provided with locking tabs or lugs 218 which are positioned thereon to be received within apertures 156 of sidewalls 151 and 152 of base casing l to provide for secure attachment of cover casing J to base casing I.

Pushbutton 198 is preferably of a platelike configuration having a preferably polygonal body portion 220 that may be slidably received within the cage means defined by the front portion 192, rear portion 193 and side portions 194 and 195 of top wall portion 184, the same being exposed for facile depression through aperture 190 of top wall portion 184.

The uppermost surface of body portion 220 of pushbutton 198 preferably has rimmed sides 222 for facile engagement thereof by the finger or the fingers of an operator in depression of the same and has a lower relatively smooth surface 223 against which may slidably abut a cam pad 224, as will be subsequently described. The forward end of body portion 220 may be provided with an outwardly extending lug 226 and the rearward end of body portion 220 may be provided with a pair of outwardly extending flange portions 227 and 228. Flange portions 226, 227 and 228 are respectively received within the elongated slots 200, 201 and 202 of front and rear portions 192 and 193 of top wall portion 184, abutting the same adjacent the limit thereof in providing a stop which limits upward movement of pushbutton 198 within aperture 190 and further assure proper guiding of pushbutton 198 in substantially vertical reciprocable movement within the cage means defined by portions 192, 193, 194 and 195 of top wall portion 184.

Cam pad 224 preferably comprises a substantially elongated body portion 231 having a depending central portion 232 and a pair of depending spaced-apart side members 233 and 234.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, cam pad 224 is mounted with elongated body portion 231 thereof in slidable engagement with lowermost surface 223 of pushbutton 198, the same being retained thereagainst such as by spring means 235, as will be subsequently described. Depending spaced-apart side members 233 and 234 of cam pad 224 are each provided with respective front and rear angled faces 237 and 238 which define cam faces which cooperate with latch member 240 in a manner as will be subsequently described.

Rear crush bar 215 preferably comprises an elongated platelike bar member 242 which is received within slot 213 of cover casing J, the lowermost portion thereof abutting against bottom wall 150 of base casing I when buckle H is assembled, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

As described, front crush bar 180 and rear crush bar 215 are provided to either side of the cage means within which pushbutton 198 is operably positioned, and provide reinforcement for cover casing J in preventing crushing of the same such as might destroy latch means K, and in preventing accidental depression of pushbutton 198 by a crushing force which may be exerted thereupon in the event of an accident which may occur while a person is wearing a seatbelt having this buckle construction. This is particularly important when cover casing J may be formed of plastic and provides a buckle which meets the government requirements for resistance to crushing set for safety buckles of automobile seatbelts.

Spring means 235 preferably includes a main body portion 250 having a bentover top 251, a centrally disposed flange member 252, a pair of centrally disposed spring arms 253 and 254 and a pair of endmost spring arms 255 and 256.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, spring means 235 is preferably mounted on rear crush bar 215 such as by a rivet 257. Spring means 235 is preferably positioned so that spring arms 253 and 254 thereof are in abutment with the lowermost surface of cam pad 224, to each side of central portion 232, providing a leaf spring member urging cam pad 224 into abutment with pushbutton 198 and urging pushbutton 198 to a normally undepressed position. Spring arms 255 and 256 abut against latch member 240, as will be subsequently described.

Latch member 240 preferably includes a body portion 259 having a centrally disposed arm member 260, a rearward cam surface 262 and a pair of spaced-apart outer arms 263 and 264. Arm member 260 may be provided with an outer cam face 266 which cooperates with tongue connector plate L in directing the same to attachment with catch dog member 170, as will be subsequently described. Body portion 259 and spaced-apart outer arms 263 and 264 may be provided with cutaway lowermost portions 270 for a purpose as will be subsequently described.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, latch member 240 is preferably mounted in base casing I with outer arms 263 and 264 thereof respectively adjacent sidewalls 151 and 152 thereof for reciprocable slidable movement in the trackway defined by bottom wall 150, sidewalls 151 and 152 and upper flange portions 153 and 154 thereof. Spring arms 255 and 256 of spring means 235 are biased against the rearmost portion of latch member 240, urging latch member 240 toward catch dog member 170.

As shown in FIG. 13, spring urging of latch member 240 toward catch dog member 170 will cause tongue connector plate L to be received between bottom wall of base casing I and within the cutaway portions 270 of latch member 240, the lowermost cutaway portion 270 of latch member 240 thus providing retainer arm means which, together with bottom wall 150, define a lock space 271 for receiving tongue connector plate L in locked engagement with catch dog member 170.

Latch means K is preferably comprised of spring means 235; latch member 240; cam pad 224; and pushbutton 198.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, latch member 240 is normally positioned with cam surface 262 thereof in slidable engagement with cam faces 238 of respective depending side members 233 and 234 of cam pad 224. This sliding camlike engagement provides cam means whereby, upon depression of pushbutton 198, cam pad 224 moves downwardly, depressing cam faces 238 thereof along cam surface 262 of latch member 240, which urges latch member 240 rearwardly, away from catch dog member 170, providing relative translatory linear slidable movement of latch member 240 away from catch dog member which permits release of tongue connector plate L from catch dog member 170.

In order to provide for maximum linear movement of latch member 240 away from catch dog member 170 by a minimal depression of pushbutton 198, cam pad 224 is preferably mounted with cam faces 237 hereof in abutment with end 197 of lower portion 196 of the cage means provided on cover casing .1. Thus, when pushbutton 198 is depressed, abutment of cam faces 237 with end 197 causes cam pad 224 to slide rearwardly along the lowermost surface 223 of pushbutton 198, as shown in FIG. 14, providing an added carnlike force which cooperates with the camlike force provided by abutment of cam faces 238 of cam pad 224 with cam surface 262 of latch member 240 and causing latch member 240 to move away from catch dog member 170 a greater distance than the distance which pushbutton 198 is depressed.

As previously specified in connection with the first form of the invention described, the cam pad of this form may be an integral part of the pushbutton; the pushbutton element may be other than slidably mounted on cover casing J; and the cam means for relative translatory movement of the latch member on depression of the pushbutton is deemed to include other equivalent structures. Also, as previously discussed in connection with the first form of the invention herein described, spring arms 253 and 254 of spring means 235 may be omitted, abutment of spring arms 255 and 266 with latch member 240 being relied upon to provide a force urging pushbutton 198 to a normally undepressed position, through abutment of cam surface 262 of latch member 240 with can faces 238 of cam pad 224.

Tongue connector plate L preferably comprises a platelike body portion 280 having an aperture 281 adjacent one end thereof to receive the secured end of belt webbing N in a conventional manner. The other end of tongue connector plate L preferably comprises a reduced tongue portion 282 having an aperture 283 which is of a dimension to receive catch dog member 170 in operable engagement therewith. The outermost end of reduced tongue portion 282 is preferably provided with outer wing portions 284 and 285 having a cutaway portion 286 therebetween. In insertion of tongue connector L to within the buckle, cutaway portion 286 thereof first abuts against cam face 266 of latch member 240 and against guide lugs 208 of cover casing J, guiding tongue connector L in a downward direction, for abutment against and within cutaway portion 270 of latch member 240, and into operable engagement with catch dog member 170, as shown in FIG. 13. In removal of tongue connector plate L from the buckle, pushbutton 198 is depressed, as shown in FIG. 14, which moves latch member 240 away from catch dog member 170, permitting facile removal of tongue connector plate L. It is preferable to angle tongue connector plate L in removal of the same from catch dog member 170 and wing portions 284 and 285 thereof provide an extended portion which may abut with lower wall 150 of base casingl in providing a pivot axis about which to tilt tongue connector plate L.

In the form of invention as shown in FIGS. 18-23, base casing P preferably includes a bottom wall 290 having relatively spaced-apart upstanding sidewalls 291 and 292, each side wall 291 and 292 having, respectively, intumed upper flange portions 293 and 294, each of which have a stop flange 295. Sidewalls 291 and 292 are each provided with notched portions 296 at their outermost ends. The rear portion of sidewalls 291 and 292 may be provided with an elongated slot 297 for slidably receiving therewithin a knurled pin or member 298.

Bottom wall 290 may be provided, adjacent the forward end thereof, with a pair of depressed portions 299, adjacent each sidewall 291 and 292 thereof, for a purpose to be subsequently described. Bottom wall 290, adjacent the rearmost end thereof, is provided with an opening 300 which is adapted to permit belt webbing T to extend into the base casing and be wrapped around pin 298, in a manner as is well known in the art. A stop flange 301 may be bent upwardly along one edge of slot 300, extending interiorly of base casing T and be provided on its forward surface with a pin 302, for a purpose which will be subsequently described.

The forward central portion of may wall 290 may be offset to provide a catch dog member 305. Catch dog member 305 preferably includes a somewhat inclined front wall portion 306 which enables tongue connector plate S to ride thereover in insertion of the same within buckle O, and a substantially vertical rear wall portion 307 which provides an abutment for securing tongue connector plate S to buckle O.

The uppermost portions of sidewalls 291 and 292 may each be provided with a pair of spaced-apart lugs 310 and 311, for a purpose as will be subsequently described.

The frame of buckle may also be deemed to include a front crush bar 320. Front crush bar 320 preferably includes a lower base portion 321 having forward downtumed outer flanges 322 and 323 and a rear wall portion 325 which extends at an angle substantially normal to base portions 321. Rear wall portion 325 has a pair of end flange portions 326 and 327, a slot 328 being defined between flange portion 326 and lower base portion 321 and a slot 329 being defined between flange 327 and lower base portion 321.

In attachment of crush bar 320 to base casing P, the same is interfitted thereon with the uppermost surface of lower base portion 321 in abutment with the undersurface of intumed flange portions 293 and 294, intumed flange portions 293 and 294 respectively interfitting within slots 328 and 329, and with end flange portions 326 and 327 in abutment with the upper surface of the intumed flange portions 293 and 294. Rear wall portion 325 is in abutment with the respective stop portions 295 of inturned flanges 293 and 294, and downtumed flanges 322 and 323 of base portion 321 are snap fitted to within the recesses 299 provided in bottom wall 290 of base casing P. Thus, downward, upward, rearward, and forward motion of front crush bar 320 is prevented by anchorage of the same on base casing P as above described.

Cover casing Q preferably includes a top wall portion 334, sidewalls 335 and 336, a front wall portion 337, and a rear wall portion 338. Top wall portion 334 is preferably-somewhat of a pagoda shape, to provide sufficient space for operative mounting of latch means R between cover casing Q and base casing P.

Top wall portion 334 is provided with a preferably polygonal aperture 340 which may be defined by a downtumed front portion 342, a downtumed rear portion 343, and downtumed side portions 344 and 345. Downturned front portion 342 preferably has, extendant therefrom, a lower portion 346 having an end 347. Wall portions 342, 343, 344, 345 and 346 may define a cage means providing a guide for a pushbutton 348.

Front portion 342 is preferably divided into a pair of spaced slots 352 and 353, and a pair of elongated slots 354 and 355 may be provided in rear wall 343. The forward portion of top wall portion 334 may be provided with an elongated slot 360 within which may be received rear wall portion 325 of front crush bar 320. The rearward part of top wall portion 334 may be provided with an elongated slot 362 within which may be received a rear crush bar 365.

Sidewalls 335 and 336 of cover casing Q are preferably provided with locking tabs or lugs 367 which are positioned thereon to be received within elongated slots 297 of base casing P to provide for secure attachment of cover casing Q to base casing P, together with sidewalls 335 and 336 of cover casing O which abut the outermost surface of side walls 291 and 292 of base casing P, and front and rear walls 337 and 338 of cover casing O which are received in notched portions 296 of sidewalls 291 and 292 of base casing P.

Pushbutton 348 is preferably of a platelike configuration having a preferably polygonal body portion 370 that may be slidably received within the cage means defined by front portion 342, rear portion 343, and side portions 344 and 345 of top wall portion 334, the same being exposed for facile depression through aperture 340 of top wall portion 334.

The uppermost surface of body portion 370 of pushbutton 348 preferably has rimmed sides 372 for facile engagement thereof by the finger or fingers of an operator in depression of the same and has a lower relatively smooth surface 373 against which may slidably abut a cam pad 374, as will be subsequently described. The forward end of body portion 370 may be provided with a pair of outwardly extending lugs 375 and 376, and the rearward end of body portion 370 may be provided with outwardly extending lugs 377 and 378. Flanges or lugs 375, 376, 377 and 378 are respectively received within elongated slots 352, 353, 354 and 355 of top wall portion 334, abutting the same adjacent the limit thereof in providing a stop which limits upward movement of pushbutton 348 within aperture 340 and further assures proper guiding of pushbutton 348 in substantially vertical reciprocable movement within the cage means defined by portions 342, 343, 344 and 345 of top wall portion 334.

Cam pad 374 preferably comprises a substantially elongated body portion 380 having a depending central portion 381 and a pair of depending spaced-apart side members 393 and 394.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, cam pad 374 is mounted with elongated body portion 380 thereof in slidable engagement with lowermost surface 373 of pushbutton 348, the same being retained thereagainst such as by a spring member 395, as will be subsequently described. Depending spaced-apart side members 393 and 394 of cam pad 374 are each provided with respective front and rear angled faces 395 and 396 which define cam faces that cooperate with latch member 397 in a manner as will be subsequently described.

Rear crush bar 365 preferably comprises an elongated bar 398 having a cutaway central portion 399. Rear crush bar 365 is received within slot 362 of top wall portion 334, with the lowermost surface thereof in abutment with the upper end of sidewalls 291 and 292 of base casing P, being received within the space provided between lugs 310 and 311 thereof, stop or flange 301 of base easing P being received within the cutaway portion 399 of rear crush bar 365, with legs 400 and 40] extendant to each side thereof and in abutment with the upper surface of bottom wall 290 of base casing P.

Thus, front crush bar 320 and rear crush bar 365 are provided to either side of the cage means within which pushbutton 348 is operably positioned, and provide reinforcement for casing Q in preventing crushing of the same such as might destroy latch means R, and in preventing accidental depression of pushbutton 348 by a crushing force which may be exerted thereupon in the event of an accident which may occur while a person is wearing a seatbelt having this buckle construction. Thus, casing Q may be formed of plastic and provides a buckle which meets the government requirements for resistance to crushing set for safety buckles of automobile seatbelts.

Spring member 395 preferably comprises a substantially U- shaped body portion 405, the rear portion thereof having intumed outer flange portions 406, and the front portion having a pair of spring arms 407 angled therefrom.

As shown in FIGS. and 21, spring member 395 is preferably mounted on rear crush bar 365 with flange portions 406 thereof pressing against rear crush bar 365 to maintain spring member 395 thereon. Spring member 395 is mounted in such a position so that spring arms 407 thereof extend in abutment with the lowermost surface of cam pad 374, to each side of central portion 381, providing a leaf spring urging cam pad 374 into abutment with pushbutton 348 and urging pushbutton 348 to a normally undepressed position.

Latch member 397 preferably includes a body portion 410 having a centrally disposed arm member 411, a pair of spacedapart cam surfaces 412 and 413 to either side of arm 411 and a pair of spaced-apart outer arms 414 and 415. Body portion 411 may be provided with a preferably centrally disposed aperture 416 for receiving a spring member 417, which may comprise a coil spring 418. Arm member 411 preferably has an outer cam face 420 which cooperates with tongue connector plate S in directing the same to attachment with catch dog member 305, as will be subsequently described.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, latch member 397 is preferably mounted in base casing P with outer arms 414 and 415 thereof respectively adjacent sidewalls 291 and 292 for reciprocable slidably movement in the trackway defined by bottom wall 290, sidewalls 291 and 292 and the lower surface of front crush bar 320. Front crush bar 320 thus limits upward movement of latch member 397. Latch member 397 is slidably positioned in the trackway thus defined, with one end of coil spring 418 received within aperture 416 and the other end thereof positioned on pin 302 and in abutment in stop flange 301 of base casing P. Coil spring 418 thus urges latch member 397 toward catch dog member 305.

As shown in FIG. 20, spring urging of latch member 397 toward catch dog member 305 places the outermost end of arm 411 adjacent catch dog member 305, providing retainer arm means defining a lock space 425 for receiving tongue connector plate S in locked engagement with catch dog member 305. When in this latched position, arm 411 is reinforced by abutment with the lowermost surface of lower portion 321 of crush bar 320 to prevent any upward movement thereof, with body portion 410 of latch member 397 urging tongue connector plate S into operable engagement with wall 307 of catch dog member 305.

As thus described, spring member 395 and spring member 417 comprise spring means mounted on the frame for exertion of a force on latch member 397 to urge the same toward catch dog member 305 in retention of tongue connector plate S in operable engagement with catch clog member 305 and for exertion of a force on pushbutton 348 to urge the same to a normally undepressed position.

Latch means R preferably comprises the spring means as thus defined by spring members 395 and 418; latch member 397; cam pad 374; and pushbutton 348.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, latch member 397 is normally positioned with cam surfaces 412 and 413 thereof in slidable engagement with cam faces 396 of respective depending side members 393 and 394 of cam pad 374. This sliding camlike engagement provides cam means whereby, on depression of pushbutton 348, cam pad 374 moves downwardly, depressing cam faces 396 thereof along cam surfaces 412 and 413 of latch member 397, which urges latch member 397 rearwardly, away from catch dog member 305, providing relative translatory linear sliding movement of latch member 397 away from catch dog member 305, which permits release of tongue connector plate S from catch dog member 305.

In order to provide for maximum linear movement of latch member 397 away from catch dog member 305 by a minimal depression of pushbutton 348, cam pad 374 is preferably mounted with cam faces 395 thereof in abutment with end 347 of lower portion 346 of the cage means provided on cover casing Q. Thus, when pushbutton 348 is depressed, abutment of cam faces 395 with end 347 causes cam pad 374 to slide rearwardly along lowermost surface 373 of pushbutton 348, as shown in FIG. 21, providing an added camlike force which cooperates with the camlike force provided by abutment of cam faces 396 of cam pad 374 with cam surfaces 412 and 413 of latch member 397 in causing latch member 397 to move away from catch dog member 305 a greater distance than the distance which pushbutton 348 is depressed.

As previously specified in connection with the first form of the invention described, the cam pad of this form may be an integral part of the pushbutton; the pushbutton element may be other than slidably mounted on cover casing Q; and the cam means for relative translatory movement of the latch member on depression of the pushbutton is deemed to include other equivalent structures. Also, as previously discussed in connection with the first form of the invention herein, spring member 395 may be omitted, abutment of spring member 417 with latch member 397 being relied upon to provide a force urging pushbutton 348 to a normally undepressed position, through abutment of cam surfaces 412 and 413 of latch member 397 with cam faces 396 of cam pad 374.

Tongue connector plate S preferably comprises a platelike body portion 426 having an aperture 427 adjacent one end thereof to receive the secured end of belt webbing U is a conventional manner. The other end of tongue connector plate S preferably comprises a reduced tongue portion 428 having an aperture 429 which is of a dimension to receive catch dog member 305 in operable engagement therewith. The outer most end of reduced tongue portion 429 is preferably provided with outer wing portions 430 and 431 having cutaway portion 432 therebetween. In insertion of tongue connector plate S to within buckle O, cutaway portion 432 thereof first abuts against cam face 420 of latch member 397, urging the same away from catch dog member 305, cam face 420 thereof guiding tongue 428 into operable engagement with catch dog member 305, as shown in FIG. 20. In removal of tongue connector plate S from the buckle, pushbutton 348 is depressed, as shown in FIG. 21, which moves latch member 397 away from catch dog member 305, permitting facile removal of tongue connector plate S. It is preferable to angle tongue connector plate S in removal of the same from catch dog member 305, and wing portions 430 and 431 thereof provide an extended portion which may abut with lower wall 290 of base casing P in providing a pivot axis about which to tilt tongue connector plate S.

From the various forms of invention herein shown and described, it will be readily observed that different combinations of elements may be provided for attaining the desired end result, namely, the provision of a pushbutton buckle in which the pushbutton thereof is provided for movement in a direction transverse to the movement of a latch member to enable release of a tongue connector plate from a catch dog member. For instance, the spring means of the different forms may be interchangeably used with only minor modification, and similarly, latch member 240 could be readily substituted for either latch member or latch member 397, and vice versa.

Referring to FIG. 1, the same diagrammatically shows an automobile seat 440 having a shoulder element 441 and a lap element 442 each of which include first and second buckle sections. In this form of the invention, it is proposed to use buckle sections having noninterengageable latching shapes. For instance, a lap element 442 having buckle sections which are smaller than the buckle sections used in connection with shoulder element 441, or where the other latching shape dimensions or configurations of the buckle sections are different so that they cannot be interchangeably connected in error. Thus, for instance, buckle A and tongue connector plate E of the invention may be used as the buckle sections for lap element 442 and may be smaller or of a different dimension or configuration than buckle and tongue connector plate S which may be used as the buckle sections of shoulder element 441. As shown, belt webbing F and T may extend from buckles A and O to a suitable anchor 445; belt webbing U may extend from tongue connector plate S to a suitable anchor 446; and belt webbing G may extend from tongue connector plate E to a suitable anchor which may comprise a belt retractor 447.

When the buckle sections of lap element 442 are smaller or of a different dimension or configuration than the buckle sections of shoulder element 441, or vice versa, it will be observed that the tongue connector plate of one cannot be latchably engaged within the wrong buckle, thus avoiding accidental attachment of a tongue connector plate to the wrong one of the buckles.

Various changes may be made to the forms of invention herein shown and described without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the following claims.

We claim:

1. A safety belt buckle having a tongue connector plate for use in association therewith, said buckle including a frame having a catch dog member and latch means for releasable retention of said tongue connector plate in operable engagement with said catch dog member, said latch means including a latch member, means for mounting said latch member on said frame for substantially linear movement toward and away from said catch h dog member, said latch member including retainer arm means positioned to overlie a portion of said tongue connector plate in releasable retention of said tongue connector plate in operable engagement with said catch dog member adjacent the limit of movement of said latch member toward said catch dog member, and a cam surface, a pushbutton, means for mounting said pushbutton on said frame for movement in a direction substantially normal to the linear movement of said latch member, and a cam pad, means for mounting said cam pad on said frame for slidable engagement with said push button, said cam pad having first and second cam faces, said first cam face being engageable with said cam surface of said latch member to provide cam means for relative translatory linear movement of said latch member to enable release of a tongue connector plate from said catch dog member on depression of said pushbutton, and said second cam face being engageable with said frame to cause said cam pad to slide along said pushbutton in a direction urging said cam face toward said cam surface of said latch member whereby to cause said latch member to move away from said catch dog member a greater distance than the distance which said pushbutton is depressed. v

2. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 1 wherein said frame includes cage means having an exterior opening, said pushbutton means being slidably mounted in said cage means for slidable linear movement thereof in a direction substantially normal to the linear movement of said latch member, said cage means including a portion positioned for abutment with said second cam face of said cam pad on depression of said push button, abutment of said second cam face with said portion causing said cam pad to move in a direction to urge said first cam face toward said cam surface of said latch member.

3. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 1 wherein said retainer arm means of said latch member comprises an elongated arm centrally disposed on said latch member and in substantial alignment with said catch dog member.

4. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 1 wherein said retainer arm means of said latch member comprises a pair of spaced-apart outer arm members positioned to overlie the outermost edges of said tongue connector plate at opposite sides of said catch dog member.

5. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 4 wherein said latch member includes a centrally disposed arm having an outer end adjacent said catch dog member, said outer end thereof comprising an angled cam face for urging said tongue connector plate into operable engagement with said catch dog member on abutment of said tongue connector plate with said cam face.

6. A safety belt seat buckle as specified in claim 1 wherein said tongue connector plate includes a substantially flat platelike body portion having an aperture at one end thereof for receiving belt webbing attached thereto and a tongue portion insertable in said second buckle section, said tongue portion including an aperture for receiving said catch dog means therewithin in releasable operable engagement therewith, and a pair of spaced-apart outer wing portions having a cutaway portion therebetween, said outer wing portions being position for engagement with said frame to provide a pivot axis for lifting of said tongue connector plate in disengagement of the same from said catch dog member.

7. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 1 wherein said frame includes a base casing and a cover easing, said base casing including walls defining a trackway, said latch member being slidably mounted in said trackway for slidable linear movement thereof in releasable retention of said tongue plate connector in operable engagement with said catch dog member, and said cover casing includes cage means for defining a pushbutton guide, said pushbutton being slidably mounted within said cage means for slidable linear movement thereof in a direction substantially normal to the linear movement of said latch member.

8. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 7 wherein said cage means has a side thereof adjacent said catch dog member, a lower wall portion extendant from said side thereof adjacent said catch dog member, said cam surface of said latch member is angled divergently upwardly and away from said catch dog member, said cam pad slidably engages said push button and has a pair of cam faces, one of said cam faces being positioned for abutment and cooperation with said cam surface of said latch member to urge said latch member away from said catch dog member on depression of said pushbutton and the other of said cam faces abutting the outermost edge of said lower wall portion of said cage means in operable engagement therewith to slidably urge said cam pad away from said catch dog member on depression of said pushbutton, interaction of said cam faces of said cam pad with said outermost end of said lower wall portion of said cage means and said cam surface of said latch member comprising means for movement of said latch member away from said catch dog member a greater distance than said pushbutton travels on depression thereof.

9. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 8 wherein said tongue connector plate comprises a substantially flat platelike body portion having an aperture at one end thereof for receiving belt webbing and a tongue portion insertable in said second buckle section, said tongue portion including an aperture for receiving said catch dog member therewithin in releasable operable engagement therewith and a pair of spaced apart outer wing portions having a cutaway portion therebetween, said outer wing portion being positioned for engagement with said base casing to provide pivot points for lifting of said tongue connector plate in removal of the same from operable engagement with said catch dog member.

10. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 8 wherein said latch member includes a centrally disposed arm having an outer edge adjacent said catch dog member which is positioned for abutment with said tongue connector plate for slidable movement of said latch member away from said catch dog member to permit operable engagement of said tongue connector plate with said catch dog member, said outer end of said arm comprising an angled cam face for urging said tongue connector plate into operable engagement with said catch dog member on abatment of said tongue connector plate therewith, and said latch means includes spring means having a pair of spring elements, one said spring elements abutting said latch member in exertion of a force thereon to urge the same toward said catch dog member, and the other of said spring elements abutting said cam pad in exertion of a force thereon to maintain said pushbutton and said cam pad in a relatively fixed position on slidable movement of said latch member by abutment of said tongue connector plate therewith.

11. A safety seat buckle as specified in claim wherein abutment of said cam surface of said latch member with said cam face of said cam pad and abutment of said cam face of said cam pad with said outermost edge of said lower wall portion of said cage means comprises stop means for limiting movement of said latch member toward said catch dog member.

12. A safety seat buckle as specified in claim 11 wherein said centrally disposed arm of said latch member comprises said retainer arm means.

13. A safety seat buckle as specified in claim 11 wherein said retainer arm means of said latch member comprise a pair of spaced outer arms positioned to overlie the outermost edges of said tongue connector plate.

14. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 1 wherein said latch member includes a centrally disposed arm having an outer end adjacent said catch dog member which is positioned for abutment with said tongue connector plate for slidable movement of said latch member away from said catch dog member to permit operable engagement of said tongue connector plate with said catch dog member, said outer end of said arm comprising an angled cam face for urging said tongue connector plate into operable engagement with said catch dog member on abatment of said tongue connector plate therewith, and said latch means includes spring means having a pair of spring elements, one said spring elements abutting said latch member in exertion of a force thereon to urge the same toward said catch dog member, and the other of said spring elements abutting said cam pad in exertion of a force thereon to maintain said pushbutton and said cam pad in a relatively fixed position on slidable movement of said latch member by abutment of said tongue connector plate therewith. 

1. A safety belt buckle having a tongue connector plate for use in association therewith, said buckle including a frame having a catch dog member and latch means for releasable retention of said tongue connector plate in operable engagement with said catch dog member, said latch means including a latch member, means for mounting said latch member on said frame for substantially linear movement toward and away from said catch h dog member, said latch member including retainer arm means positioned to overlie a portion of said tongue connector plate in releasable retention of said tongue connector plate in operable engagement with said catch dog member adjacent the limit of movement of said latch member toward said catch dog member, and a cam surface, a pushbutton, means for mounting said pushbutton on said frame for movement in a direction substantially normal to the linear movement of said latch member, and a cam pad, means for mounting said cam pad on said frame for slidable engagement with said push button, said cam pad having first and second cam faces, said first cam face being engageable with said cam surface of said latch member to provide cam means for relative translatory linear movement of said latch member to enable release of a tongue connector plate from said catch dog member on depression of said pushbutton, and said second cam face being engageable with said frame to cause said cam pad to slide along said pushbutton in a direction urging said cam face toward said cam surface of said latch member whereby to cause said latch member to move away from said catch dog member a greater distance than the distance which said pushbutton is depressed.
 2. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 1 wherein said frame includes cage means having an exterior opening, said pushbutton means being slidably mounted in said cage means for slidable linear movement thereof in a direction substantially normal to the linear movement of said latch member, said cage means including a portion positioned for abutment with said second cam face of said cam pad on depression of said push button, abutment of said second cam face with said portion causing said cam pad to move in a direction to urge said first cam face toward said cam surface of said latch member.
 3. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 1 wherein said retainer arm means of said latch member comprises an elongated arm centrally disposed on said latch member and in substantial alignment with said catch dog member.
 4. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 1 wherein said retainer arm means of said latch member comprises a pair of spaced-apart outer arm members positioned to overlie the outermost edges of said tongue connector plate at opposite sides of said catch dog member.
 5. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 4 wherein said latch member includes a centrally disposed arm having an outer end adjacent said catch dog member, said outer end thereof comprising an angled cam face for urging said tongue connector plate into operable engagement with said catch dog member on abutment of said tongue connector plate with said cam face.
 6. A safety belt seat buckle as speCified in claim 1 wherein said tongue connector plate includes a substantially flat platelike body portion having an aperture at one end thereof for receiving belt webbing attached thereto and a tongue portion insertable in said second buckle section, said tongue portion including an aperture for receiving said catch dog means therewithin in releasable operable engagement therewith, and a pair of spaced-apart outer wing portions having a cutaway portion therebetween, said outer wing portions being position for engagement with said frame to provide a pivot axis for lifting of said tongue connector plate in disengagement of the same from said catch dog member.
 7. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 1 wherein said frame includes a base casing and a cover casing, said base casing including walls defining a trackway, said latch member being slidably mounted in said trackway for slidable linear movement thereof in releasable retention of said tongue plate connector in operable engagement with said catch dog member, and said cover casing includes cage means for defining a pushbutton guide, said pushbutton being slidably mounted within said cage means for slidable linear movement thereof in a direction substantially normal to the linear movement of said latch member.
 8. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 7 wherein said cage means has a side thereof adjacent said catch dog member, a lower wall portion extendant from said side thereof adjacent said catch dog member, said cam surface of said latch member is angled divergently upwardly and away from said catch dog member, said cam pad slidably engages said push button and has a pair of cam faces, one of said cam faces being positioned for abutment and cooperation with said cam surface of said latch member to urge said latch member away from said catch dog member on depression of said pushbutton and the other of said cam faces abutting the outermost edge of said lower wall portion of said cage means in operable engagement therewith to slidably urge said cam pad away from said catch dog member on depression of said pushbutton, interaction of said cam faces of said cam pad with said outermost end of said lower wall portion of said cage means and said cam surface of said latch member comprising means for movement of said latch member away from said catch dog member a greater distance than said pushbutton travels on depression thereof.
 9. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 8 wherein said tongue connector plate comprises a substantially flat platelike body portion having an aperture at one end thereof for receiving belt webbing and a tongue portion insertable in said second buckle section, said tongue portion including an aperture for receiving said catch dog member therewithin in releasable operable engagement therewith and a pair of spaced apart outer wing portions having a cutaway portion therebetween, said outer wing portion being positioned for engagement with said base casing to provide pivot points for lifting of said tongue connector plate in removal of the same from operable engagement with said catch dog member.
 10. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 8 wherein said latch member includes a centrally disposed arm having an outer edge adjacent said catch dog member which is positioned for abutment with said tongue connector plate for slidable movement of said latch member away from said catch dog member to permit operable engagement of said tongue connector plate with said catch dog member, said outer end of said arm comprising an angled cam face for urging said tongue connector plate into operable engagement with said catch dog member on abatment of said tongue connector plate therewith, and said latch means includes spring means having a pair of spring elements, one said spring elements abutting said latch member in exertion of a force thereon to urge the same toward said catch dog member, and the other of said spring elements abutting said cam pad in exertion of a force thereon to maintain Said pushbutton and said cam pad in a relatively fixed position on slidable movement of said latch member by abutment of said tongue connector plate therewith.
 11. A safety seat buckle as specified in claim 10 wherein abutment of said cam surface of said latch member with said cam face of said cam pad and abutment of said cam face of said cam pad with said outermost edge of said lower wall portion of said cage means comprises stop means for limiting movement of said latch member toward said catch dog member.
 12. A safety seat buckle as specified in claim 11 wherein said centrally disposed arm of said latch member comprises said retainer arm means.
 13. A safety seat buckle as specified in claim 11 wherein said retainer arm means of said latch member comprise a pair of spaced outer arms positioned to overlie the outermost edges of said tongue connector plate.
 14. A safety belt buckle as specified in claim 1 wherein said latch member includes a centrally disposed arm having an outer end adjacent said catch dog member which is positioned for abutment with said tongue connector plate for slidable movement of said latch member away from said catch dog member to permit operable engagement of said tongue connector plate with said catch dog member, said outer end of said arm comprising an angled cam face for urging said tongue connector plate into operable engagement with said catch dog member on abatment of said tongue connector plate therewith, and said latch means includes spring means having a pair of spring elements, one said spring elements abutting said latch member in exertion of a force thereon to urge the same toward said catch dog member, and the other of said spring elements abutting said cam pad in exertion of a force thereon to maintain said pushbutton and said cam pad in a relatively fixed position on slidable movement of said latch member by abutment of said tongue connector plate therewith. 